Dec 30, 2012

Nyttårskryss

In Hordaland it is a tradition to do a three-day bird race around new year. The county is divided into four parts. Each year the birders in the different parts compete trying to see as many birds species as possible. Usually midt-Hordaland (with Bergen) is the winner.
I can only participate two days, since I have to work tomorrow. Today I tried some spots around Bergen. Bad weather with lots of winds...However,  a Great Grey Shrike was present at the Kalandsvannet and a Sparrowhawk flew over Lysekloster. Further quite a few Whooper Swans along the road to Os and a group of ten Mute Swans at Sveiasundet near Lysekloster. Otherwise not that much...

Dec 23, 2012

Water Rail

Tried the Jack Snipe, that was reported yesterday at Tveitevannet, but did not succeed in finding it. Had a Water Rail though. Otherwise just Blue Tit, Great Tit, a singing Greenfinch and a couple of Siskins.
Earlier this week I had a subadult Golden Eagle in Bontveitsdalen and a group of 25 Waxwings at Landås.

record shot of Water Rail

Dec 14, 2012

Snow, snow and snow

Rather busy with my new jobb lately and not a lot of birds around. But at Lagunen storsenter I had a flyby Water Rail this morning. Typical winter-with-snow sighting. Further a stroll with Hickman at Stavkirken. Lots of Blackbirds...Still waiting for a Pine Grosbeak in my garden.